Patient's question:
Doctor, hello. I am 28 years old this year, married for 5 years, and I want to have a child. Could you please tell me what medical check-ups are needed before pregnancy (I mean physical check-ups)? What should I pay attention to in my work and daily life? Thank you.First follow-up question: Thank you. Besides general blood count tests, what other tests are needed? People say that a full-body check-up includes what content, and is it necessary? Since pre-marital health checks are no longer required after marriage, I don’t know much about my own physical condition. I checked some websites and found that folic acid is also very important.
Doctor's answer:
It is appropriate to undergo pre-pregnancy and prenatal health checks, similar to routine health examinations. The scope of the tests can be adjusted as needed.Below is an explanation of several important items:
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
This test can determine the level of hemoglobin and identify anemia, allowing for early treatment. It also provides the platelet count.
Platelets are related to blood clotting, and childbirth involves some bleeding. Therefore, individuals with platelet issues should undergo treatment before becoming pregnant.
This test can also measure the size of red blood cells (MCV). The Han Chinese population has a high prevalence of thalassemia carriers. Thalassemia carriers have smaller red blood cells, with an MCV below 80. This condition is an inherited genetic disorder, and only children with both parents as carriers will be affected.
Thus, if the expectant mother has an MCV below 80, the expectant father should also undergo a blood test. If both have an MCV below 80, further tests such as blood electrophoresis and DNA analysis may be required. If only one has an MCV below 80, there is no need for concern.
This is a genetic disorder that can be diagnosed prenatally. As a result, the incidence of thalassemia in newborns has significantly decreased in recent years. Therefore, the Complete Blood Count (CBC) can be considered a cost-effective yet highly valuable test.